ARM

AppWizard
March 3, 2026
Last year, Embark and Bungie conducted playtests for their extraction shooters, with Bungie's Marathon being their first project outside the Destiny universe in over 15 years. Arc Raiders, developed by Embark, launched as the first mainstream title in the genre, while Marathon faced delays. The author initially felt indifferent towards Marathon but grew enthusiastic after playing for over four days. The game features a PvP experience with looting mechanics, weapon upgrades, and unique gun modifications. Critics compare Marathon to Call of Duty and Apex Legends, but the author finds its pacing more similar to Halo, emphasizing positioning and timing. The game includes movement shooter elements, allowing creative navigation techniques. Weapon designs are visually appealing and feature a variety of modifications. The game's progression system encourages experimentation with builds, and the vendor system aids in resource management. The upcoming full version will include a third map, Outpost, and additional content like the Cryo Archive.
Winsage
February 24, 2026
Organizations are transitioning from Windows 10 to Windows 11 following the end-of-support date for Windows 10. Windows 11 is designed to support most applications that ran on Windows 10, but challenges may arise due to undocumented legacy applications and configurations. A thorough evaluation of devices, including installed applications and data locations, is essential to minimize disruptions during the upgrade. Migrations can be categorized as clean installations or in-place upgrades. A clean installation erases the previous OS and data, while an in-place upgrade retains existing settings and applications. In-place upgrades are not allowed for certain transitions, such as from Windows 10 Home to Windows 11 Pro without first upgrading to Windows 10 Pro. IT professionals often prefer clean installations to avoid carrying over issues from the previous OS. During an in-place upgrade, data in library folders is retained, but data in the Windows folder may be at risk. Compatibility issues may arise with poorly designed applications or drivers post-upgrade, particularly with legacy applications reliant on outdated frameworks. Preparation for migration includes creating an inventory of applications, identifying potential incompatibilities, and ensuring backups of data. IT must also confirm hardware meets Windows 11 requirements. If a clean installation is chosen, strategies for application installation must be developed, utilizing tools like System Center Configuration Manager or Microsoft Intune. Validation and testing of migration tools should occur in a lab environment, followed by a pilot deployment on a small percentage of machines. After successful pilot testing, the final deployment can proceed, followed by an audit to address any issues. Careful planning and testing are crucial for a smooth migration process.
Winsage
February 22, 2026
Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 12, which is expected to feature an AI-native experience with deep integration of Copilot, showcasing capabilities like on-screen comprehension, voice activation, and task automation. The hardware requirements will be elevated, necessitating 16GB of RAM, rapid NVMe storage, and a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for advanced features. Windows on Arm is gaining momentum, with improvements in app compatibility and battery life, while a modular architecture called CorePC is being developed to facilitate faster updates and enhance security. Licensing for Windows 12 is expected to remain unchanged for consumers, with optional cloud-enhanced services available. The update cadence will increase, allowing for faster feature drops independent of major OS releases, with the Windows Insider Program continuing to test new features. Upon its release, Windows 12 will integrate Copilot, provide a more cohesive OS core, and support both x86 and Arm architectures.
BetaBeacon
February 21, 2026
PC emulation on Android is becoming more popular, with many Android gamers finding it to be a viable option. ETA Prime showcased the capabilities of PC emulation on Android by running games like GTA V, Left 4 Dead 2, The Witcher 3, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Marvel Cosmic Invasion, and Cyberpunk 2077 on various Android devices. GameHub, an app available on the Google Play Store, makes it easy to play PC games on Android by leveraging Valve's Proton compatibility layer.
Winsage
February 20, 2026
Microsoft has announced Windows 11 26H1, a release intended exclusively for new ARM devices launching in 2026, specifically those powered by the Snapdragon X2 series. This version is not a feature update for existing PCs and will not appear in Windows Update notifications for users on Intel or AMD hardware. Windows 11 26H1 is based on a new internal core designed for ARM silicon, referred to as a "hardware-optimized release," and may carry the codename Bromine. The OS Build number for 26H1 is 28020.1611, distinguishing it from previous updates. Key enhancements include full integration of semantic natural-language search within Settings, an increase in the FAT32 format limit from 32 GB to 2 TB, and UI refinements. Notable omissions include the removal of .NET Framework 3.5 as an optional feature and a safeguard preventing the System Preparation Tool from running in Safe Mode. Windows 11 26H2 is expected later in 2026 for existing PCs.
Winsage
February 20, 2026
Microsoft has bifurcated its Canary testing channel for Windows 11 into two paths to prepare for significant updates, particularly the 27H2 update. One path will unify Arm PCs with AMD and Intel devices, while Arm PCs will receive a platform update codenamed 'Bromine' with Windows 11 version 26H1, due to the introduction of Snapdragon X2 silicon. Non-Arm PCs will receive a separate 26H2 update, referred to as 'Germanium', without the need for modifications. Canary testers on the newer build series will focus on foundational changes for the 27H2 update, while earlier build series testers will explore new functionalities. Microsoft aims to enhance existing features, address bugs, and improve responsiveness while also strengthening its quality assurance processes to reduce public glitches.
Winsage
February 18, 2026
Microsoft announced that Windows 11 26H1 will be supported for consumers until March 2028, with rollout starting for PCs with eligible CPUs, specifically the Snapdragon X2 family, which includes Snapdragon X2 Plus, Snapdragon X2 Elite, and Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme. The official launch occurred on February 10, 2026, alongside its first cumulative update. Users with first-generation Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs cannot upgrade to this version. Windows 11 26H1 is described as a "hardware-optimized release" aimed at enhancing performance and efficiency for Arm-based chips, though it does not promise significant enhancements over version 25H2 or the upcoming 26H2. Enterprise and Education editions will be supported until March 13, 2029, while Home and Pro editions will be supported until March 14, 2028. Windows 11 SE is not supported in 26H1. A new release, Windows 11 26H2, is expected to be available for all users, including those with first-generation Arm-based PCs, and will be the recommended update for broader deployment. Upgrades from version 25H1 to 26H1 are not possible, and all upgrade paths are currently closed, with plans to transition to version 27H2 in the latter half of 2027.
AppWizard
February 18, 2026
Tripwire Presents, in collaboration with developer Arctic Hazard, has released NORSE: Oath of Blood, a Viking-themed turn-based tactical game set in Dark Age Norway, available on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG. The standard edition is priced at .99, while the Special Edition, which includes the Kievan War armor set and Ulfberht sword, is priced at .99, both currently discounted by 15% as part of a sale on Steam until February 24. Versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S are in development for a planned release this Spring. Players assume the role of Gunnar, a young warrior seeking vengeance for his father's murder, and will build a settlement, gather allies, and engage in tactical battles against rival clans.
Search